Needs help to measure water properties.

[jtss2001]

Hi,

Have setup a 2 ft planted tank with internal filter & DIY CO2. Needs to know more on water properties.

Please advice what to check pH or KH. Which test kit. What to do if it is over or under limit. Thanks.

PS: does not wants to spend too much to purchase all kind of test kit. No budget.

[Heuer]

Both pH and kH test kits are a must for planted tank in order to know your CO2. less than $20 for both. Out of balance in any parameter will cause algea problem and poor plants growth.

Cheers!

[sherchoo]

Yes, pH and kH is considered the basic test kit that you should get. So, you probably start of with these 2 test kits. Sera test kits are pretty good enough... may want to drop by your nearby fish stores to check out the rice.

Maybe down the road when you get more into the hobby and the thirst for more knowledge sets in, you may want to invest in a NO3 and PO4 test which will help you esp. in your fert regime.